Ginza’s biggest shopping complex GINZA SIX is celebrating Christmas this year with an upcoming event entitled “Celebration of Life: Hoshi no Umi no Shukusai” (A Festival Under a Sea of Stars) which will take place from November 5, 2019 to December 25, 2019.

Celebration of Life: Hoshi no Umi no Shukusai

The visuals for “Celebration of Life: Hoshi no Umi no Shukusai” were created by Finnish artist Klaus Haapaniemi. The work is titled “Astral Sea” and Haapaniemi arranged the art specifically for the event. It features animals and living beings floating through space amongst the stars, each moving to the rhythm of the stars’ revolution. With this grand work, Haapaniemi has created a new myth that makes one think of space and how it connections to the lives of humans.

The space and time-transcending “Lightning Whales” which appear in the Astral Sea will be suspended from the shopping centre’s atrium, and tapestries of Haapaniemi will also be draped down the centre, turning GINZA SIX itself into its own Astral Sea. The 10-meter long Lightning Whales floats have been designed in such a way that it looks like they are flying through space. Additional artwork can also be found in the front entrance, show window on floor B2F, and elsewhere.

Klaus Haapaniemi x GINZA SIX Christmas Collaboration Items

Several stores inside GINZA SIX are also releasing items in collaboration with Haapaniemi.

Mimuro Sugi Junmai Daiginjo Imadeya Ginza Limited Edition Model – ¥3,000 @ Imadeya Ginza

This Junmai Daiginjo is part of the Mimuro Sugi Roman Series developed by a sake brewery in Nara. This transparent drink retains the delicate flavour of the rice and leaves a beautiful lingering aftertaste. It’s best enjoyed with some tasty food.

Available: November 5, 2019 – February 29, 2020 (While supplies last)

Lightning Whales Frozen Fruit Bar – ¥600 @ PALETAS

These new frozen fruit bars from PALETAS are inspired by Haapaniemi’s Lightning Whales. The bar’s fantastic colouring is taken from the Astral Sea, while its flavour is blueberry gelato with salt. It’s decorated with gold leaf and silver leaf.

Available: November 5, 2019 – January 31, 2020

Gloves – Whale Embroidery ¥9,000 / Swan Embroidery ¥10,000 @ Ginza Tsutaya Book Store

Gloves are a must-have during winter, and these ones come with whale and swan embroidery. You’re sure to grab people’s attention with these gorgeous fits.

Available: November 8, 2019 – December 25, 2019

*Listed prices don’t include tax. Items subject to change without notice.

Christmas Cake & Party Food

Ginza is known for its long list of gourmet restaurants, serving food from around the world. This holiday season, GINZA SIX has plenty of Christmas delights lined up.

Noel Neige – ¥4,630 @ Pavlov Pâtisserie

This gorgeous, light cake uses cream for its snowy landscape, topped with bright-red strawberries.

Panettone Babbo Natale – ¥7,407 @ Café Cova Milano

Cova’s panettone is made with a secret recipe that has been handed down since the beginning of the 19th century.

Assorted Mini Sandwiches – ¥3,704

This assortment of mini sandwiches are the perfect choice for Christmas parties, filled with a variety of delicious ingredients like smoked salmon, caviar, pastrami, and more.

*Listed prices don’t include tax.

This is just a small look at what GINZA SIX has in store for this Christmas. If you’re spending the holiday season in Tokyo, be sure to stop by.